UNB News
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Roxanne Fairweather, president and chief executive officer (CEO) of Innovatia, has been appointed chair of the University of New Brunswick’s Board of Governors for a two-year term, beginning July 1. First appointed to the board in 2003, she most recently served as vice-chair of the Board. Roxanne Fairweather replaces David Stevenson, founding partner with Stevenson & Partners LLP, who completed a three-year term as chair. “It has been a great honour to serve as chair of UNB’s Board of Governors,” said David Stevenson. “The Board will be in good hands under Roxanne’s leadership because of her great experience in management, her belief in her province and her understanding of the power of higher education.” Kathryn McCain, chair of the McCain Foundation, has been appointed Board vice-chair for a two-year term, beginning July 1. Kathryn McCain has served on UNB’s Board of Governors since 1998. Both Roxanne Fairweather and Kathryn McCain were appointed by the Lieutenant-Governor in Council and their appointments were approved at the April 15 Board of Governors’ meeting. David Ganong, Chairman of Ganong Bros., Limited, has been named Governor Emeritus, an honorary rank awarded to individuals retiring from the Board. It recognizes those who have made exceptional contributions to the Board through leadership and service. The rank does not carry any duties or obligations, but its holder may be called upon for advice or counsel. David Ganong was first appointed to UNB’s Board of Governors in 1992 and has served as a member of many of the Board committees during his tenure, most notably vice-chair (1998-2000) and chair (2004-2007). He also served on the 2008-09 Joint Nominating Committee for the Office of President and the 2006 Joint Review Committee for the Office of President. He has been involved with many improvements in committee effectiveness and Board governance during his tenure. “David Ganong has given his wisdom, counsel and time to the University of New Brunswick for the past 18 years,” said UNB President and Vice-Chancellor Eddy Campbell. “In my relatively short time as UNB’s president I have been humbled by his commitment to the university and its evolution as a national institution of higher education.” The Board of Governors meets five times throughout the year and is composed of 42 members, representing a broad range of local, national and international experience. In accepting appointments, Board members assume substantial responsibilities. The Board assesses the performance of the president, and approves, on the recommendation of the Fredericton and Saint John Senates, educational programs and conferral of degrees. Board members are responsible for approving policies, plans and priorities. The Board sets fees, allocates financial resources and ensures strong financial oversight. It is also responsible for safeguarding the university’s lands and buildings. Established in 1785, UNB is one of the oldest public universities in North America. With more than 12,500 full- and part-time students from more than 100 countries, UNB has the best student-to-faculty ratio of Canada’s comprehensive universities, according to Maclean’s magazine. As the largest research institution in New Brunswick, UNB conducts over 75 per cent of the province’s university research. The university has an annual operating budget of more than $165 million and annually employs more than 3,500 faculty, staff and students. UNB’s two main campuses are located in Fredericton and Saint John, New Brunswick.